Rockets on the brink of knockouts after Dunkley fiftyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sophia Dunkley is the leading run-scorer in this year’s women’s HundredByFfion WynneBBC Sport JournalistPublished3 hours agoThe Hundred women’s competition, Trent BridgeBirmingham Phoenix 122-7 (100 balls): Lamb 45 (34); Garth 4-23Trent Rockets 124-4 (84 balls): Dunkley 65 (37); Capsey 1-16Trent Rockets won by six wicketsScorecard, Table.
Sophia Dunkley struck her third consecutive half-century as Trent Rockets cruised to a six-wicket victory over struggling Birmingham Phoenix in the women’s Hundred.
Chasing 123 at Trent Bridge, Dunkley struck 65 off 37 balls to reclaim her spot as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and the Rockets reached their total with 16 balls to spare.
Dunkley, who found herself in and out of England’s T20 side this summer, struck seven fours and two sixes and is averaging 51.80 in the tournament so far.
Phoenix had a glimpse of hope with the wickets of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Ash Gardner in consecutive deliveries before Dunkley fell with 21 runs still needed, but Sophie Luff held her nerve with 19 not out for a win that puts the Rockets at the top of the table.
The result all but confirms Rockets’ place in the knockouts while Phoenix’s contrasting fortunes, with one win from five games, puts them on the brink of elimination.
In the previous meeting between the two teams, Phoenix were bowled out for just 64 but despite some improvement, Rockets’ bowlers dominated again as the visiting side were restricted to 122-7.
Phoenix’s top order was unable to find any fluency as Davina Perrin made 18 off 13, Tammy Beaumont scored 24 off 21 and both Alice Capsey and Ellyse Perry fell cheaply for one.
Emma Lamb’s counter-attacking 45 provided a late boost but she lacked the support to post a competitive total, while Australia seamer Kim Garth was the pick of Rockets’ bowlers with 4-23.
